External Frame Backpacks

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Recent External Frame Backpack Reviews

REI Trekker Wonderland

Best pack by far that I have ever had! All kinds of room for organizing your gear for easy access on the trail. The Wonderland is very easy to adjust for a comfortable fit, easy to adjust on the fly when the trail goes from a climb to a descent. This pack is my favorite that I have every used. Bought it brand new at the R.E.I. in Seattle over 20 years ago and it is still in like new condition even with the abuse that I have put it through. Only question I have after reading all of these reviews… Full review

OneCoolBackpack EcoPack-1

Good entry-level pack-frame carry-all. Detachable stowage for carrying most types of packbags (and assorted cargo.) Expandable frame for fitting a wide range of sizes., plus flexible frame to flex with torso while hiking. Lightweight, affordable, versatile. I am the inventor of Eco-Pack1, and the founder of onecoolbackpack.com. I have strived to produce an entry-level backpack which fills an unmet need in the market. My design is intentionally basic, versatile and adaptable. It is intended to be… Full review

Kelty Trekker 3950

You can still find well-made Trekkers in like-new condition online if you're a smart shopper. Before Kelty switched to polyester materials and a thinner hipbelt, this pack represented a practical, comfortable on-trail option for people hauling heavy loads. For a Boy Scout, especially an adult leader or a teenager with the strength of a mule, these packs still represent a good choice. There are now a lot of better options on the market, but they cost more money. I recently purged my outdoor gear… Full review

Kelty Trekker 65

Very well finished and sturdy. The load lifter shoulder straps are a big deal and make this pack work for you. Back ventilation is second to none. The hip belt convinces you that you can load more into the pack and onto the frame than you should; only your knees will remind you otherwise. That same hip belt is way easy to adjust to your shape. If you're going to haul everything you'd like to have on any given stage of the PCT this pack will serve you well. Be cautious though as this pack will allow… Full review

Kelty Continental Divide 5300 (External)

Some people will look at this pack and say it has an identity crisis. It is basically an internal frame bag attached to a narrow external frame. There are pros and cons to this, mostly depending on how you like to pack. This model is out of production, but a lot of folks might find that it meets their needs. This sort of design works great for expeditions with heavy loads, and it could be a great deal for someone who finds it used. No one has reviewed this pack in almost ten years, but I figured… Full review

Kelty Yukon 50

This is a really nice external frame backpack for adults! I bought this pack at a store and was VERY shocked when I saw online that it was characterized as a "kid" or "youth" pack. I am a pretty big guy, 6'1", 230 lbs and this pack fits great! In fact I had to telescope the frame down to almost the lowest setting. With all of the external frame there is plenty of room to carry all my gear. For me, personally, I don't want a huge amount of storage because...I'm going to have to carry everything… Full review

Kelty Yukon 48

Best for: Taking plenty of heavy gear (for whatever reason) long distances into the backcountry. The pack carries the load quite well and comfortably. It will also stand up to real use and bushwhacking with no durability issues. Recommended: Very much yes. For whom: Folks who want/need to take heavy gear without being concerned with "babysitting" their pack. It can take a beating and will not let you down. I own this pack and the Kelty Trekker (larger but external frame pack as well). This pack… Full review

High Sierra Bobcat 65

Great size and lightweight for an older female. This pack was a great find for me, I am an older female that needed to put an emergency 3-day pack together, I have severe cervical spine problems and this wonderful pack made it easy for me to be able to "carry my own load." The pockets are very large and easy to access the most used or wanted items..water, snacks, rain gear, etc. I am now confidant that I will be ready for at least 3 days in case of evacuation or road trip problems. One never knows… Full review

Kelty Trekker 4300

I got my first Kelty in 1968, and still use it for day hikes. In addition to the 'orginal' Kelty, I have the Trekker 4300 and the Tioga 5500. Use depending on the length of the hike. Love all three. Most of my hiking is in the desert SW and Grand Canyon. The externals allow greater airflow. Load is balanced over the hips—the long hike up from the bottom of Grand Canyon goes much easier with the 'over-the-hips' weight distribution. I still do an annual Rim-2-Rim at the Canyon—and of course… Full review